Author - Dr Monika Chhajed, MBBS Consultant - Paediatric Neurologist at Motherhood Chaitanya Hospital, Chandigarh 

Common Behavioural Problems in Children

Raising a child is both beautiful and challenging. Raising a difficult child, on the other hand, can be life-disrupting. Being able to tell whether your child is going through a phase or if there’s an underlying issue is not easy. According to Dr Monika Chhajed, MBBS, Fellowship Paediatric Neurology and Epilepsy, DCH, DNB, Consultant- Paediatric Neurologist a child showing a tantrum does not necessarily mean a disorder. With too much information around, the doctor advised to keep labels to a minimum. If, however, you feel that your child’s behaviour is not normal, you can visit a top paediatrician in Chandigarh.

1. Oppositional Defiant Disorder

According to Dr Monika Chhajed, one in every ten children under the age of 12 have oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Some typical behavioural patterns of a child with ODD are: a. Frequent temper. b. Easily annoyed or irritated. c. Refuses to obey rules. d. Deliberately try to annoy others. e. Low self-esteem and frustration threshold.

2. Conduct Disorder 

The top paediatrician in Chandigarh tells us that kids with conduct disorder (CD) are often labelled as “bad kids”. Some typical behavioural patterns of a child with CD are: a. Frequent refusal to obey parents or other authority. b. Lack of empathy for others. c. Tendency to use drugs, cigarettes, or alcohol at an early age. d. Being aggressive to animals or other people. e. Eager to start physical fights or weapons. f. Frequent lying. g. Tendency to run away from home.

3. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Approximately 2 to 5 per cent of children have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the common patterns are: a. Difficulty concentrating. b. Forgetting instructions. c. Bad temper. d. Talking over the top of others. e. Constant restlessness and fidgeting. Risk Factors in Children with Behavioural Disorders Although the exact cause behind behavioural disorders is not known, the top paediatrician in Chandigarh suggests certain risk factors:

1. Gender: Boys are more likely to suffer from behavioural disorders than girls.
2. Gestation and Pregnancy A difficult pregnancy, premature birth or low birth weight may also contribute to behavioural problems in children.
3. Temperament Children who are difficult to manage or are temperamental or aggressive from an early age are likely to develop behavioural disorders later in life.
4. Family Behavioural disorders usually stem from dysfunctional families. For instance, a child exposed to domestic violence, poor parenting or substance abuse is more likely to develop a behavioural disorder.
5. Brain development Some studies have shown that children with ADHD have underdeveloped brain areas.
6. Learning Difficulties Children with difficulty reading or writing from an early age are often associated with behavioural disorders.

Treatment of Behavioural Disorders in Children

If behavioural disorders in children are left untreated, they may grow into dysfunctional adults. Treatment of children with a particular disorder depends on the medical conditions. The common treatment modalities are:

1. Parental education.
2. Family therapy.
3. Anger management.
4. Social training.
5. Encouragement.
6. Support for associated problems.
7. Medications.

As a parent, you must pay attention to the behaviour of your child. At times, your child may behave in a certain way due to crankiness or other reasons. If, however, you notice that the symptoms of your child are persistent, contact Dr. Monika Chhajed at the Motherhood Hospitals. At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced specialists backed by the cutting edge facilities. We have the best Paediatric Neurologist in Chandigarh. Do take an appointment with the best Paediatric Neurologist in Chandigarh at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life. If you wish to get in touch with Dr. Monika Chhajed, please book your appointment here